Pic Credit: Pexel
A strong earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale rocked the Drake Passage, the oceanic strait located between South America and Antarctica, early Saturday morning. According to reports, the tremor was felt at around 1:59 AM Indian Standard Time.
The National Center for Seismology (NCS) stated that the earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 10 kilometers beneath the seabed. Coordinates place the epicenter at 60.18° south latitude and 61.85° west longitude, a region known for frequent seismic activity due to the tectonic boundary between the South American and Antarctic plates.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the earthquake’s depth to be around 10 kilometers. Following the quake, authorities issued tsunami warnings as a precaution, but later clarified that there was no immediate threat of a tsunami in the region.
This seismic event follows a recent earthquake of magnitude 7.4 that struck the Mindanao region of the Philippines on Friday. In response to the Philippine quake, local authorities issued tsunami alerts and warned residents about the possibility of aftershocks. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that the Philippine earthquake occurred at a depth of 62 kilometers.
In the aftermath of the Drake Passage quake, coastal residents in nearby areas were advised to move to higher ground and comply with government instructions to ensure safety.
Earlier this month, on October 1, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 struck the central Philippines, resulting in over 60 fatalities. This recent spate of strong earthquakes highlights the ongoing seismic risks faced by regions along tectonic plate boundaries.
Authorities continue to monitor seismic activity closely and urge residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert and prepared.
